Anti-sectarian award for Trinity High

Jan 16 2013 by Douglas Dickie, Rutherglen Reformer

A Rutherglen school has been recognised for commitment to fighting sectarianism.

Trinity High School was presented with a Champion for Change award last week from leading anti-bigotry charity, Nil by Mouth.

The award recognises the work done to challenge sectarian attitudes right across the curriculum.

The school set up a pupil-led task force to raise awareness of bigotry with different groups taking different approaches.

Pupils took part in workshops and examined the role played by individuals, schools, religious leaders, politicians and the media in tackling the issue.

A group of pupils even made a short film which became part of the BBC’s annual School Report. The film featured interviews with Roseanna Cunningham MSP and James Kelly MSP.

The school has let the pupils take the lead on the issue, and 17-year-old sixth year student, Lauren Doherty from Rutherglen, believes that is the way forward.

She said: “If it’s teachers who are in charge then people tend to feel they are being told what to do, so when it comes from your peers I think it hits home more and you get a better response from the other pupils.

“A survey was carried out (in the school) and when the responses came back people has answered truthfully, no-one was taking the mickey.

“Sectarianism is something that has affected everyone in the school in one way or another and people have responded very maturely.”

Nil By Mouth Campaign Director Dave Scott said: “We have been blown away by the commitment shown by this school community to tacking sectarianism. Pupils, teachers and parents have all bought into Trinity’s bid for this award.”

The award prompted local MSP, James Kelly to put forward a motion to the Scottish Parliament saying the school has “displayed a long term commitment to tackling bigotry.”

He said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to the pupils and staff at Trinity High School on achieving Champion for Change status, which recognises their hard work and commitment in helping to spread the important message that there is no place for sectarianism in modern Scotland.”

Tom Greatrex MP was also at Trinity to see the award ceremony.

He said: “It is testament to the hard work and thoughtfulness of all of those pupils, of different age groups, involved and the support of the teaching staff at the school. Getting the chance to talk to some of the young people involved at the presentation highlighted just how positive this activity has been in breaking down barriers.”